These Are the Most Common Grandparent Nicknames in Each State

Pop-pop. Mamaw. Granny. Abuela. Gramps. Grandparent nicknames seem to be as varied as the families who use them. But according to a recent study by Preply, a few nicknames reign supreme throughout the country.

Using data from Google Trends, they analyzed the popularity of different grandparent names across all 50 states in the U.S. They also spoke to 1,500 Americans with a median age of 35 to determine what they call their grandparents. Of the respondents, 55% of them were women, 43% men, and 2% non-binary and most had living grandparents.

What they discovered is that grandparents—and their grandchildren—are shying away from using the traditional names like Grandma and Grandpa, and instead opting for more trendy names like Gigi and Poppy. But the most popular names for grandparents in the U.S.? Nana and Papa. Here's a breakdown of the grandparent names you are likely to see across the country and where you might hear them used.

Most Popular Names for Grandmothers

When it comes to nicknames for grandmothers, Nana emerges as the clear winner being the top pick in a whopping 12 states including those like Massachusetts, Delaware, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Montana. Meanwhile, Grammy, Granny, and Gran are all tied for second and are more likely to be used everywhere from Rhode Island, Illinois, and Kentucky to Colorado, Washington, and North Dakota.

Some people in the survey noted that they still use a more formal approach and call their loved one Grandmother, especially in states like Vermont, Virginia, Hawaii, and Idaho. Meanwhile in Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas you are likely to hear their matriarch referred to as Abuela, the Spanish name for grandmother. These two monikers tied with Mamaw for third place—which is popular in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Alabama.

Interestingly, nearly 20% of those surveyed likely use the name Grandma as well as a nickname rooted in their specific cultures or background. While the respondents gave more than 35 different options, some of the more popular ones noted include Oma (German), Yiayia (Greek), Nonna (Italian), Tata (Polish), and Lola (Filipino).

Still not finding a name for your beloved grandmother that seems to fit their unique personality and flair for life? Preply notes that some grandmothers are also referred to by more trendy names such as Gigi, Mimi, Bibi, Nanny, Glam-ma, and Momo.

Most Popular Names for Grandfathers

If you exclude the commonly used title of Grandpa, Preply found that the most often used name for a grandfather was Papa, with 13 states like New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, Iowa, Utah, Montana, Texas, and more preferring this moniker. Meanwhile, Granddad came in as a close second and was particularly popular in Southern states like Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina as well as in Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado.

In seven states—such as Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, Vermont, and Missouri—Pop-pop was selected as a clear favorite. And, much like Abuela for grandmother, you are likely to hear people in California, Texas, Nevada, and Florida refer to their grandfather as Abuelo. Other grandfather nicknames tied to culture and background among the respondents include Opa (German), Zayde (Yiddish), Ojiisan (Japanese), Vovô (Portuguese), Daideo (Irish), and Dedushka (Russian).

Finally, rounding out favorite grandfather names from the survey, don't be surprised to hear a few patriarchs referred to as Papaw in Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and Mississippi and Pawpaw in Louisiana and Wyoming. Or, you might even hear one of the more trendy names used such as Poppy, Pops, Papi, G-Pa, and Grandude.

Some Final Thoughts on Grandparent Names

Regardless of what we call them—if it's Nana, Poppy, Gigi, Grand-dude, or something more unique and individualized—grandparent nicknames can be personalized ways to identify our loved ones and help our children connect with these very important people from an early age.

Plus, there are no right and wrong names, just loving and endearing ways of acknowledging the significance of the people you love. Whatever you (and the grandparent and grandchild) decide to go with, it should mean something to you and your family. As long as you put thought and feeling into the name, it is sure to be the perfect fit for many years to come.